USC could have budding pass-rush star in Felix

Aug. 20, 2014

Updated 10:36 p.m.

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Linebacker Scott Felix, formerly Scott Starr, ‘has a chance to ... remind us of a couple of other guys who have come off the edge here in years past,' Coach Steve Sarkisian said. ARMANDO BROWN, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Linebacker Scott Felix, formerly Scott Starr, ‘has a chance to ... remind us of a couple of other guys who have come off the edge here in years past,' Coach Steve Sarkisian said.ARMANDO BROWN, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

LOS ANGELES – Just call him the sack artist formerly known as Scott Starr.

USC outside linebacker Scott Felix – who recently changed his last name from his mother’s to his father’s – has been buzzing around the quarterback during training camp. Sometimes, even though he isn’t supposed to, Felix has hit the quarterback.

If anything, Felix is too intense at times on the practice field. During one camp workout, Coach Steve Sarkisian could be heard yelling toward Felix: “Take it easy, Scott! Take it easy!”

It beats the alternative.

“Scott’s very active,” Sarkisian said, choosing his adjective carefully. “That’s probably the best way for me to describe him.”

Felix’s activity level was set on maximum during the Trojans’ scrimmage at the Coliseum earlier this week. He frequently pressured the quarterback – even plowing into Cody Kessler at one point and knocking him to the turf.

Quarterbacks aren’t supposed to be touched on the practice field. The collision, Felix said, was unavoidable.

“They knew I wasn’t trying to hit him,” Felix said. “Cody’s a real good buddy of mine. We’re not trying to hurt any of our quarterbacks.”

The staff is hopeful Felix will inflict pain on opposing quarterbacks, and he appears set up to do so. The redshirt sophomore from Norco High is slated for significant playing time at the “Rush” linebacker position in USC’s 3-4 defense. He is healthy now after missing most of 2012 and part of ’13 because of injuries, including a neck issue that required surgery.

“Scott is really starting to come into his own,” Sarkisian said. “I think he has a chance to really kind of emerge onto the scene and maybe remind us of a couple of other guys who have come off the edge here in years past.”

Sarkisian envisions Felix (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and J.R. Tavai applying pressure from the edges, while the defensive line, featuring dominant end Leonard Williams, collapses the pocket. Felix has yet to record a sack in a game. But you can see the potential for a breakout based on the way he practices – even when he doesn’t hit the quarterback.

Sarkisian confirmed that Khaliel Rodgers, the projected starter at right guard, will miss 10-14 days because of a knee injury. That puts his availability for the Aug. 30 opener vs. Fresno State in serious doubt.

Freshman Damien Mama took most of the first-team reps in Rodgers’ place Wednesday. Sarkisian compared Mama to former USC guard Deuce Lutui, a 2005 All-American and second-round NFL draft pick.

“What I like about Damien right now is he hasn’t gotten discouraged when he makes a mistake,” Sarkisian said. “He gets right back and goes after it again. That’s a sign of a player that’s resilient and tough-minded and is going to have a chance to be really successful for us for years to come.”

Mama has gotten in considerably better shape since the start of summer workouts, when he weighed 397 pounds. The 6-foot-5 graduate of St. John Bosco of Bellflower is now 377 pounds thanks to dietary changes and post-practice workouts. His goal is to be 360.

“That 20 pounds has helped a lot,” Mama said. “Coming in this summer, I was overweight. I couldn’t keep up with the other guys. Now I feel good. … I breathe better. I sleep better. I move better.”

QUICK HITS

Sarkisian did not have a timetable for tailback Tre Madden, who has a turf-toe injury, also suffered during the scrimmage. Madden had a boot on his right foot during practice. … The Trojans shifted into preparation for Fresno State, with the offense and defense facing scout-team units. Sarkisian said it was the equivalent of a typical in-season Tuesday practice.

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